The Tasmanian Premier says he has written to the state's Police Commissioner about allegations in the media of historical sexual abuse against a Tasmanian Liberal MP.
An article published in a national newspaper on Saturday detailed a woman's allegations against an unnamed politician she says abused her when she was a teenager.
Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman said the matter was "a serious one".
"Obviously given the nature of it, it needs to be dealt with appropriately," he said.
"I can advise that I have written to the Tasmanian Police Commissioner to draw to his attention the article and request that Tasmania Police take any appropriate action as is necessary.
"That's the appropriate course. I'm not able to provide any further commentary in relation to this matter at this time."
Mr Hodgman said he became aware of the matter after the article was published on Saturday morning.
At a press conference on Sunday, Mr Hodgman was asked whether he was concerned about reports raised in the media that the alleged victim said she contacted police in 2014, and consequently heard back from the alleged perpetrator a short time later.
He said it was a matter he had referred to Tasmania Police to "give consideration to it and take any appropriate action".
"That's what I expect will occur and it's appropriate for that matter to be followed up through those channels," he said.
In a statement, Tasmania Police said it had no record of a complaint being made.
"Advice was given to a person interstate earlier this month to attend their local police station should they wish to make a formal complaint," the statement read.
"Arrangements are being made for the relevant interstate police service to proactively make contact with the person about whether they wish to make a formal complaint."
Allegations 'strenuously denied'
On Saturday, Tasmanian Attorney-General Elise Archer said she was aware of the newspaper article.
"They are serious allegations and, as I'm aware, they have been strenuously denied," she said.
"This is something for authorities to deal with.
"I urge caution to the media and everyone else because everyone is entitled to, not only presumption of innocence, but these are very serious allegations."
In a statement, Tasmanian Labor Member for Braddon Shane Broad said the Premier and the Liberal Party "must investigate these very serious claims".
.png?w=600)
